If Jaco testifies against the three remaining defendants, additional charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action currently filed against him will be dropped, Assistant Prosecutor Richard Hicks said.

Malcolm Washington, 26; Denzell Smith, 18; and Damon Williams, 24, are
also charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and armed
criminal action in connection with Bentley's death. Williams was
originally charged with first-degree murder, but the charge was reduced
to second-degree murder in March.

Quillan Jacobs, 17, pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery in a
separate plea agreement in March, according to Missouri Case.net and
previous Missourian reporting. He was originally charged with
second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and armed criminal action.

Hicks said Jaco’s attorney, Stephen Wyse, contacted him Friday
morning and said Jaco wanted to plead
guilty. Wyse declined to comment on the reason why Jaco changed his
plea.

Jaco had the option to plead guilty to either the murder charge or the robbery charge, Hicks said. Both charges are Class A felonies, carrying a punishment of 10 years to life in prison. Hicks said he will recommend Jaco serve a 20-year sentence contingent upon completion of the plea agreement.

Jaco, Williams and Washington allegedly forced their way into Bentley's Pimlico Drive duplex in search of
drugs and cash, according to a probable cause statement filed with the court. Smith and Jacobs waited outside the residence in their car, the statement said.

Bentley was in his upstairs bedroom when at least
one of the suspects entered the room.
Witnesses told police they heard a gunshot before the suspects left
with an Xbox game system, two purses and at least one cell phone, the
statement said.

Bentley was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the head. He was later pronounced dead.

Jaco’s trial was scheduled to begin April 7. His final sentencing hearing is June 1.

Washington's trial is scheduled for April 28, while Williams' trial is scheduled for July 28. Smith's trial date is pending.